The Medical Procurement of Ukraine (MPU) has distributed vaccines against diphtheria and tetanus to the regions of Ukraine, which were centrally purchased upon the order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
These vaccines and their administration are mandatory and free for patients according to the National Recommended Immunization Schedule, targeting diphtheria/tetanus with reduced antigen content (DT-AP).
In early February, the first batch of over a million doses of these vaccines arrived in Ukraine. Approximately 800,000 doses, or 75%, have already been distributed to healthcare facilities in all regions, except for temporarily occupied territories. Meanwhile, 25% of the delivered vaccines will be kept in storage as a reserve and may be distributed to regions as needed (according to the order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated 18.10.2023).
Such an approach to vaccine distribution will enable effective response to any unforeseen circumstances and prompt delivery of necessary vaccines to specific regions when needed.
We would like to remind that vaccines against diphtheria and tetanus are administered for the first time in childhood. However, immunity against these diseases is not lifelong. Therefore, in adulthood, revaccination is necessary every 10 years.